Feature Contents | Winter Issue 2024
OVERNIGHT ICE FISHING: Looking for a new kind of adventure this winter? How about staying out overnight on the middle of the lake in a deluxe ice house. As a bonus you might catch the fish of a lifetime. More and more outfitters from Northwestern Ontario to the Alberta border are offering this kind of opportunity. Read all about it on page 16.
PRO POINTERS
12 | Unlocking the New Ice Age with Matthew Gelly 16 | Overnight on the Ice with Don Lamont 28| Ice Fishing Season is Back! with Jeff Gustafson
| Beginner Ice Fishing
| Fishing the Baja
| Making a Fishing Adventure!
New Products
You could call this edition the new ice age! We have cutting edge stories on how new technology is changing the ice fishing game, with different articles that cover all aspects of life on ice.
Manitoba’s Nathan Blank gives us a look at the basic equipment people new to ice angling should consider.
Professional angler Jeff Gustafson likes to keep things simple and use lures that have worked for him for years. Gussy is a guy that fine tunes to the nth degree, something we could all learn. He talks about his go to techniques to bring fish home for supper.
This is followed up by an advanced technical story by Matt Gelley. He explains how to use the available electronic technology to increase success on your next ice fishing adventure.
Still on the tech side of things, Chris Fonos, a hardcore ice angler from Alberta, outlines all the changes in electric ice augers. They are lighter, stronger and more durable. All these modifications have made them incredibly efficient.
For those of you who like to use winter to go off the grid, then make sure to read the article Dave Shmyr submitted. Dave is a guy that pays attention to detail, outlining how to make sure your
next back country adventure is a safe and successful one.
Our Content Creator in this edition is long time contributor Dale Martens. We refer to him the wandering angler. This time Dale heads down to Baja Mexico to chase dorado. Believe it or not the best fishing for this species is during the summer as they chase huge schools of sardines that move into the area at this time of the year. It is really a unique fishing experience that should be on your bucket list.
Wes David puts thousands of miles on each season filming episodes of his TV show, Fishing the Wild West TV. In this edition he starts in southern B.C on the Columbia River fishing for rainbows and walleye, then ends up on Vancouver Island catching monster salmon.
Award winning writer Lowell Strauss ventures to northern Saskatchewan to Cree River Lodge. Here he enjoys all that this great province has to offer, outstanding pristine fishing along with great food and accommodation.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I did putting it all together. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2025!
Don Lamont, Editor
Publisher Hooked Media Inc.
President Kevin Stobbe - 204-771-4041 kevin@hookedmagazine.ca
Editor Don Lamont - 204-292-5234 dlamont46@gmail.com
Design/Production
Nuance Design nuancedesign@shaw.ca
Advertising contact@hookedmagazine.ca
Writers Nathan Blank, Wes David, Chris Fonos, Matthew Gelley, Jeff Gustafson, Don Lamont, Dale Martens, Josh McFaddin, Dave Shmyr, Lowell Strauss
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Discover the Thrill of Ice Fishing in Northwestern Ontario!
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
IS A WINTER WONDERLAND FOR ANGLERS, OFFERING AN UNFORGETTABLE ICE FISHING EXPERIENCE.
With thousands of frozen lakes, including the famous Lake of the Woods and Eagle Lake, the region is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleye, northern pike, lake trout, or crappie, these waters promise a rewarding adventure.
Ice fishing here combines excitement and incredible scenery. Picture yourself drilling through crystal-clear ice, surrounded by
pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscapes. Local operators provide heated shelters, equipment rentals, and guided services, ensuring a comfortable and successful
outing, even for beginners.
The region’s vibrant communities enhance your trip with cozy accommodations, warm hospitality, and hearty dining options featuring fresh-caught fish. Ice fishing festivals and derbies add to the fun, creating memorable moments for families and friends.
Northwestern Ontario is the perfect escape for ice anglers. It is just two hours from Winnipeg to the Ontario border and offers easy access from Minnesota. Embrace the magic of ice fishing and experience the unspoiled beauty of northwestern Ontario.
Manitoba Loses Top Outdoor Advocate Robert Sopuck
I first met Bob when he was President of FLIPPR. He was crusading for the enhancement of prairie pothole lakes near his home south of Riding Mountain. We also both wrote Outdoor Columns in the Winnipeg Free Press. He was the hunting guy and I was the fishing guy. Bob was also an avid fly fisher and we shared many stories together. My most lasting memory of Bob was when we ice fished Clear Lake together many moons ago. While most of the group was huddled in a tent to keep warm, Bob was lying on ice, peering down the hole to see what might swim by. He then invited us back to his beautiful log home to enjoy a warm beverage. A fighter for the outdoor cause, he will be greatly missed!
—Don Lamont
TOWN HALL MEETINGS
SWEEP ACROSS MANITOBA
Never has our outdoor heritage been at such threat as in the last year. Reductions in allocations for hunting wildlife, loss of access to crown lands and the ability of the federal government to seize private property is shaking our constitutional foundation. In Manitoba there are many more issues than just those mentioned but the Manitoba Wildlife Federation is doing something about it. They are holding town hall meetings across the province to inform those who love the outdoors what is at risk. The turnout to these meeting has been outstanding. Further to that the MWF is taking the government to court concerning a reduction in moose allocations with no engagement or justification by the current NDP government. The court has currently reserved its ruling on the matter to a later date. Stay tuned. For more information go to the MWF website. https://mwf.mb.ca/
NEW PRODUCTS
STRIKER ICE FISHING CLIMATE JACKET
The Striker Climate Jacket gives you the versatility to fish all season long in all regions of the ice belt. Quickly layer up or down with the removable Adapt Insulated Jacket, giving you a 3-in-1 system to wear together or separate depending on the weather, location, or your fishing style. Perforated Sureflote® flotation assist technology is permanently fixed in the outer shell and is designed to improve moisture management and overall suit breathability, making the Climate Jacket a do-itall solution for any angler. strikerbrands.com
RAPALA HATCHET SPOON
When the new Hatchet Spoon hits the water, its intense rapid start & fluttering energy delivers maximum action and vibration, grabbing the attention of aggressive fish. We’ve dressed this spoon with a Marabou teaser tail, which conceals a super sharp VMC® treble hook. Oversized holographic eye and a variety of UV, polished metal attractor and custom color patterns. Ultra Glow colors last up to 15 minutes. rapala.com
ION THIRD GENERATION ICE AUGERS
SHIMANO ULTEGRA FC
The sleeping giant rests no longer. The new Ultegra is a feature-packed powerhouse, offering premium performance for all anglers. Ruggedly designed from cover to core with a hint of elegance in design, the marriage of Shimano’s CI4+ composite body and cold-forged HAGANE Gear provides extreme durability and sensitivity with less weight. MicroModule Gear II and SilentDrive technologies improve gear mesh and minimize overall play in construction to provide increased reel performance shimano.com
The Alpha™ Series marks the 3rd generation of ION® electric ice augers, re-imagined from the ground up to re-define high-performance yet again. The 8-inch ION Alpha Plus utilizes a Turbo™ high-speed cutting system with a multi-edge design, providing a smooth and efficient cut through up to 2000 inches of ice on a single charge. It boasts a category-leading cutting speed of 3.4 inches of ice per second, which is up to 52% faster than the competition. Speed, power, longevity, and it’s all under 16 lbs. with a lightweight composite bit. ioniceaugers.com
Get improved resolution, reduced noise, clearer images and better target separation with the LiveScope™ Plus ice fishing bundle LI. It includes an ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv combo, LiveScope Plus sonar system and lightweight lithium battery. garmin.com
LIVESCOPE™ PLUS ICE FISHING BUNDLE LI
BRECKS VORTEX SPINNER
Coming in 2025, the Williams Vortex is a premium spinner that matches uncompromising manufacturing quality with age-proven designs. Built around the legendary G. M. Skinner fluted blade, first introduced 150 years ago in 1874, the Vortex continues Williams’ commitment to precious metal plating, using sterling silver and 24K gold that reflect light like no other lesser metal. They also use premium hooks and components to ensure flawless operation even after catching many fish. Keep an eye out for it at your favourite tackle store. williams.ca
MINNKOTA TERROVA QUEST
For years, Terrova has made its name as a work horse with anglers all over the country. It gets up earlier and stays out later so that you can put more fish in the boat. And now, it’s been completely re-imagined. The new QUEST series of dual 24/36 volt brushless trolling motors was designed for anglers who demand the best from their equipment – even in the harshest environments. With a reinforced motor and mount, more advanced GPS functionality than ever and even an Eco Mode to extend battery life, the next generation of Terrova is designed to have your back out on the water for years to come. minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com
ELLIOT ICE FISHING RODS
The Rippineyes is a 32” solid carbon fiber, fast action with medium heavy tip. Excellent all-around Walleye rod to fish reaction bites utilizing Rippin Raps, Jig’n Raps or heavier spoons. This build handles the bigger eye’s with ease. acmetackle.com
EGO NETS
The market is flooded with landing nets, most of them cookie-cutter designs that function only as fish-dippers. And many leave a lot to be desired, what with snagprone netting and materials that can be hard on fish intended for release. Not the case with EGO Fishing’s top selling and award-winning S2 Slider and Kyrptek S2 Slider, modular fishing net systems not only designed for netting fish, but a multitude of other tasks. The EGO S2 Slider system utilizes the most advanced handle extension technology on the planet. EGO offers 30-plus interchangeable net heads, accessories, and handles; 19 combined hoop sizes and mesh types to choose from; and lastly, a two-year limited warranty on all EGO landing nets and accessories. egofishing.com
ESKIMO HAS NEW 10” PISTOL BIT!
Available as a 10” for the first time, the Pistol Bit 2.0 is in a class of its own for drill-adaptive augers. Featuring the premium performance of the Turbo Cutting System, the Pistol Bit 2.0 takes drill-adaptive speed and efficiency into a new gear. These multi-edged blades maximize the output of your drill battery, delivering a smooth cutting experience in a wheelhouse or when moving around the ice. When paired with a capable drill, it’s the best tool for the job—as reliable and lightweight as ever at just under 5 lb. 10” Pistol Bit 2.0. Drill-Adaptive Auger Bit geteskimo.com
BREAKING THE ICE: A Beginner’s Guide to Manitoba Ice Fishing
Embark on an ice fishing adventure – gear up, stay warm, and catch your first fish under the ice!
BY NATHAN BLANK
Ice fishing might seem intimidating at first, especially in Manitoba’s harsh winters, but it does not have to be complicated.
Like many, I had no family members to guide me into the world of fishing; it was a journey of trial, research, and a lot of cold toes. Today, when people ask me how to get into ice fishing, I share my simple, practical approach. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Clothing and Transportation
The first challenge is staying warm. Layer up with warm bibs, jackets, mitts, and winter boots—comfort is crucial when you’re sitting on frozen water all day. Top
choices for winter clothing include Eskimo’s Keeper line and Striker’s Hardwater series, while a reliable pair of Muck boots will keep your feet warm and dry. To access the lake, having a 4-wheeldrive truck or SUV is essential, as it will navigate snowy backroads and make reaching the lake a breeze.
Ice Auger
quieter and lighter, though they come at a higher price. Pick one that suits your budget and needs, and do not worry – each brand offers options suited for all preferences and abilities.
Shelter and Heater
With temperatures often dipping below -30°C in Manitoba, a portable shelter is a must. There are flip-overs, hub shelters, and solid structures to choose from, but
I prefer hub styles for their ease of setup and storage. My Eskimo Outbreak 650XD, a hexagonal shaped hub with 94 square feet of space, is perfect for solo trips or outings with friends. Other solid brands include Otter, Clam, and Cabela’s, all of which span a wide range of sizes and price points. When shopping, consider the number of people and amount of gear you will be accommodating – and if you are on a budget, check out local listings on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.
To maintain a safe body temperature a heater is essential. Mr. Heater provides a range of portable options, along with addons that can be directly attached on top of a 20 lb. propane tank for consistent and reliable heat.
Rod, Reel, and Line
To fish through the ice, you will need an auger to drill down to the water. Gaspowered augers have been around for years, but electric augers such as those from ION, Eskimo, and StrikeMaster are
Traditional ice rods are compact. Usually, they are around 28 inches, paired with small reels. These days, rods come in an assortment of lengths and materials. I prefer a 36”-50” rod for the added control it gives while fishing outside, but if you’re fishing from inside a shelter, a shorter rod (around 30”) may be more practical. Budget-friendly brands like 13 Fishing, HT Enterprises, and Quantum offer a variety of combos, and some even come pre-spooled with line. For most species here in Manitoba, a spool of 10lb test in monofilament or braided line will work wonders.
Fishing is the pursuit of something elusive yet attainable – ice fishing lets you experience that thrill on a whole new level.
Extra Accessories for Enhanced Fishing
Once you have the essentials, numerous accessories can enhance your ice fishing experience. Popular additions include fish finders, sleds, and tip-ups, but don’t feel pressured to purchase equipment you may not need. Ice fishing styles vary widely, so prioritize what aligns with your
approach and budget. Seek accessories that improve the efficiency and practicality of your trip.
Finding Your Perfect Spot
Now that you’re equipped and eager to fish, the next question is: where to go? If you’re new to the scene and hesitant to invest heavily, consider tagging along with an experienced friend or hiring a local guide. Ice fishing guides offer a memorable introduction to the sport, by teaching you best practices, local fish species, and unique techniques in a hands-on manner. You can also engage with the local fishing community through online platforms, forums, and social media to get up-to-date tips on fishing hot spots. Additionally, local fishing shops are excellent resources, as they have firsthand knowledge of current lake conditions and fish behavior.
Remember, ice fishing may seem overwhelming with all the gear and considerations but breaking it down into these core steps makes it accessible for everyone. Embrace the adventure, stay safe, and tight lines! n
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST SUMMARY
COLD WEATHER GEAR
Insulated bibs, jackets, boots. Consider options like Eskimo’s Keeper and Striker Hardwater for added safety and comfort). Muck Boots for reliable warmth on icy terrain.
ICE AUGER
Gas vs. Electric – The new electric augers are quieter, lighter, and eco-friendly. Electric options have become more popular, (ION, Eskimo, StrikeMaster).
SHELTER AND HEATER
Choose a style based on needs (e.g., hub shelters are versatile and easy to store; flip-overs are suited for quick setups). Look into reliable heaters like Mr. Heater for maintain a safe temperature all day long. Diesel heaters are also a great option, and relatively new to the scene.
ROD, REEL, AND LINE
Go for a solid rod and reel combo, with length dependent on your fishing setup. Affordable options from 13 Fishing, HT, and Quantum, ideally with a pre-spooled reel of line.
EXTRA ACCESSORIES
Extra accessories include fish finders, sleds for easy transport, tip-ups for multi-line fishing, boot cleats for traction on icy lakes, headlamps for night fishing, and rod cases for secure storage.
cover more ground, find the hotspots, and have an unforgettable adventure!
Reel in the Trophy Greenback Walleye of a Lifetime with
Unlocking the Lake: the Modern Ice Age
Ice fishing has come a long way from the old-school methods of hand drilling holes and waiting for a bite on an upside-down pail. Innovations in technology have made the sport fun and enjoyable. After all, ice fishing does make the winter go by that much quicker. The lithium battery is the single most important technology advancement that makes modern ice fishing possible. Light weight electric augers allow us to effortlessly punch holes and stay on fish, while live sonar-GPS systems help us “unlock” the lake from the ice surface.
Dramatic Increase in Ice Fishing
The popularity of hardwater angling across the ice belt has grown exponentially. Over the last few years, sonar technology has evolved to meet the demand. Navigating under the ice can be challenging with a traditional 2D flasher. Back in the day, we would run and gun a
lot to eliminate or find productive water. In the modern ice age, the flasher still has its time and place but some days you just need that special tool. Angling pressure comes to mind.
High-definition GPS contour lake maps such as Lakemaster VX in conjunction with forward facing sonar (FFS) have
changed the game providing real-time, detailed underwater imagery. We can find fish in minutes and equally eliminate areas not worth fishing. One of the primary advantages of FFS is its ability to see exactly what the fish are relating too and their behaviour. Last March, we found largemouth bass mulling around boulders off a main lake point. On Lake Winnipeg for example, we watched a walleye plow into a cloud of shiners on MEGA Live 4 feet under the ice. Super Cool. Instead of drilling multiple holes in search of fish, one hole and a quick scan of 80 feet in forward mode can tell us the story. This efficiency not only saves us time but also increases the likelihood of finding active fish.
Strategies – Sniping Fish
What’s that famous saying? “If you’re not scoping your hoping”. Most people that I see on the ice use their live sonar as a flasher. They camp out on the ice,
On Lake Winnipeg, we watched a walleye plow into a cloud of shiners on the MEGA Live 4-feet under the ice.
set up the shack, position the live unit in down mode and watch fish react to their presentation. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. To use the technology to the fullest, it requires work and lots of it. This is where the lightweight and speedy ION Alpha comes in. We have done it for greenbacks and crappies with success. Targeting individual fish is a lot easier in the boat when you can stay on the trolling motor and follow the fish around.
Proper Setup Critical
Setting up the MEGA Live transducer correctly is important for sniping fish. The sonar beam needs be positioned higher in the water column to see the auger punch through. A range of 50 feet with a transducer angle of 50/60 degrees forward is optimal. After some practice, you will get a good idea where to drill the hole distance wise from the transducer pole. The MEGA Live sonar beam is narrower than you think; you need to be perfectly inline to see targets. Punching a few holes in a grid pattern around the transducer hole in all directions is a great starting point. Last winter, we were out on Lake Winnipeg with our good buddy Jake Caughey from the States. Jake fishes on the National Walleye Tour and cashes in on a lot of derbies in Minnesota. The weather was decent, and we fished outside as a team from sunup to sundown. One person would pan around with the transducer pole while someone would stay mobile with the auger. The person at the Helix screen would coach whoever had a line down. We chased Greenbacks all around the lake. Every fish we caught that day didn’t make it close to the transducer hole. We went through four auger batteries and Jake was recharging his pistol bit batteries in between spots.
The FFS Beam Effect
One of the greatest mysteries of the FFS era has got to be: Are fish spooked by the sonar beam intensity? A lot of anglers on Lake Winnipeg have reported scenarios where fish swim up to the 30-foot mark, hit the beam, and turn around the opposite direction. We will never know the true answer to the question. Some days, the fish are aggressive and don’t care. Depth appears to have
an impact as well. Crappies suspended over a deep wintering basin seem to be less affected in comparison to a school of crappies cruising a shallow mud flat. We have also seen crappies in the Whiteshell spook from the auger on FFS while hunting down the schools. All fish feel vibrations down their lateral line. Does the beam have a negative effect on neutral fish activity? Only the fish know.
MEGA 360 Imaging
Another useful piece of technology for the ice is Humminbird MEGA 360. The transducer mechanically turns 360 degrees and produces a sonar image that shows you the “lay of the land”. This sonar is not live, but you can do a quick scan and see fish and structure 80 feet away in any direction in relation to your position. A few of the guides on Lake Winnipeg have been using this technology the last couple seasons to quickly find good areas holding walleyes. Since most of the areas we fish in the south basin are flat consisting of mud, sand, and gravel; walleyes stick out like a sore thumb on MEGA 360. Just like side imaging in the boat, look for the sonar shadow. Large walleyes will give off a larger shadow and vice versa. Another quick effective tool for covering water on the frozen tundra of big windy.
A Fun Way to Fish!
Sniping fish on forward facing sonar can be a fun way to bring fish topside. Try it out this winter on a nice fishable day outside. The pure amount of information gained from FFS is invaluable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, incorporating forward facing sonar into your ice fishing game is worth the investment.
I hope everyone stays safe this winter and always be cautious on first ice. Let’s hope for a good freeze this year. Always take safety precautions. Wear your ice picks and use a spud bar on thin ice. See you on the hardwater. n
LIGHT AND POWERFUL
The Future of Electric Ice Augers
BY CHRIS FONOS
The revolution began 12 years ago with the introduction of the first battery powered ice augers, and with each new generation, electric augers have only gotten better. Battery powered ice augers offered freedom from all the problems that internal combustion engines suffer from in cold weather.
This includes mixing (and spilling) gas, hard starts in cold weather, gummed up carbs…the list goes on. In fact, most manufacturers have now given up making gas augers completely.
But 12 years is a long time and innovation never sleeps. The engineers and designers at companies such as Ion and Strikemaster have been anything but idle
and have been working hard on the next generation of ice augers.
In the first few years of electric augers hitting the market, the batteries turned out to be the weakest link. Poor performance in cold weather, coupled with questionable durability and longevity, led to a few issues for early adopters. It wasn’t long, however, until those issues were sorted out. Battery packs have become more reliable, and the longevity of newer batteries is outstanding. Battery chemistry has been optimized and modern ice auger batteries withstand the cold and multiple charge cycles much better than previous versions. I have heard stories of batteries that last 6 to 8 years without issue. Batteries released with modern augers are very robust, consistent and should provide years of dependable service.
TAKING THE LOAD OFF
The biggest innovation with electric augers is not the batteries though, it’s how incredibly light they are! Modern ice augers, such as Eskimo’s E40 and Strikemasters 24V are unbelievably light, typically less than half the weight of traditional gas augers.
A light auger makes drilling holes easier, which encourages hole hopping and exploring, while also allowing anyone to safely use them. Drilling holes is so easy in fact, that you will want to do it often. After using the new Eskimo E40 last season, I had to remind myself not to drill too many holes and create unsafe ice conditions. It is so easy to pop a hole here, there, and everywhere! Like many anglers, I like to move often to find feeding fish. Using a light auger that doesn’t wear you out means that I can explore more areas before the day is done. Often when ice fishing, the more you move usually translates to more fish caught, so being mobile is a top priority for me. The light weight also allows nearly anyone to use it. Many people comment when first trying electric that drilling is incredibly easy and that smaller people, such as your spouse or older children, have no problem picking up the auger and exploring on their
own. Modern light weight ice augers offer a huge advantage for those that like to stay mobile and drill a lot of holes.
NEW INNOVATION TO THE AUGERS THEMSELVES
Beyond the batteries and new, lighter weight, ice augers have had many minor
advancements as well. Overall engineering and packaging have become more refined, with improvements such as new composite auger flights and modified cutting heads that have increased cutting speed and smoothness.
One of the biggest issues with old steel auger flights was the tendency for ice to build up on the steel throughout the day. The more holes you drilled, the more ice would cling, resulting in a very heavy auger by the end of the day. New composite augers not only shed snow and ice better, but if you do get some buildup, a simple flick of the flighting will knock loose all that excess ice. No more thawing your auger out in the bathtub before the next trip.
Improved blades and cutting angles have also lent to better battery efficiency and faster cutting times. The new Eskimo E40 is a prime example of just how fast new electric augers can be. It takes mere seconds to drill through a couple feet of ice, a vast improvement over gas augers of the past.
If you are still lugging around a heavy first generation, or even an old gas ice auger, it is a great time to make the switch. The next generation of lightweight
augers have really become incredible ice cutting machines, allowing nearly anyone the ability to cut incredibly fast holes and encouraging anglers to explore more - which nearly always results in catching more fish! n
One of the biggest issues with old steel auger flights was the tendency for ice to build up on the steel throughout the day. The more holes you drilled, the more ice would cling, resulting in a very heavy auger by the end of the day.
SPENDING OVERNIGHT ON THE ICE!
In the last three years more and more people have decided they want to experience a night on the ice! The good news is that in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario there have never been more choices.
MANITOBA
Three years ago, the provincial government allowed a few operators to offer overnight accommodation in a pilot project. As it turns out it became an instant hit.
GAUNE FISHING
On the list of outfitters that offers overnight accommodation on Lake Winnipeg is Kris Gaune.
I have met Kris and he is a hardcore angler who knows how to look after his customers. He works out of the south basin of the big lake.
Kris offers a few different options for ice anglers. He does have Yeti Ice Houses that he rents for overnight or day trips. He also offers what he calls the Run & Gun option in which he and his guides move around to get you on pods of big fish. See Kris’s ad in this issue.
SASKATCHEWAN
Tourism Saskatchewan has been holding workshops to help new operators develop overnight ice fishing accommodation marketing packages. Ralph Smart from Prairie Pro Outfitters bought a wheelhouse last year to offer the prod -
uct on Rafferty Reservoir. The demand was so great, he says this year he has purchased another one to offer even greater flexibility. Ralph makes sure his clients have everything they need to catch fish and you can check out a video on his website that shows his ice house in detail.
He also has some important tips to pass along to those considering using a wheel house on the ice.
KEY ITEMS TO MAKE YOUR STAY MORE ENJOYABLE
Catch cover hole covers to keep articles from falling in and tripping in the holes. Air fryers are way more convenient and cleaner than frying pans and grease getting all over.
A quality garbage can with a lockable lid that won’t spill when tipped.
An adequate watt generator to power everything as power for a microwave and electric fireplace etc adds up.
Heating blankets or heated storage for propane tanks to keep them from freezing up on severe windchill days.
Covers of some description for your generator’s air breather to keep it from taking in snow and freezing up.
A very good coffee maker and an outdoor table that’s capable of placing a portable bbq on and not melting.
We always place blocks of 2x4 under each corner to ensure we don’t freeze down. While drilling holes inside water runs under the wheelhouse and with multiple holes enough water can get to the frame and freeze it to the ice especially if
there is little to no snow.
These customizable options are simple and make the wheelhouse experience more enjoyable by troubleshooting ahead of time!
Arden and his wife Nicole have been operating a guide service on Lake Diefenbaker for a few years now. Arden offers both guiding services in both summer and winter.
Two years ago, they bought a Grey Wolf Ice house for overnight rental. When I talked to Arden, he was in the process of looking to add a second unit.
They also have ice shack rentals for day use. They offer guided fishing trips anywhere on Lake Diefenbaker, primarily departing from Sask Landing Provincial Park and the Village of Beaver Flats. See their advertisement in this issue. n
Three years ago, the Manitoba provincial government allowed a few operators to offer overnight accommodation in a pilot project. As it turns out it became an instant hit.
Cree River Lodge
BY LOWELL STRAUSS
It was surreal. Five hours after boarding my charter flight in Edmonton, I landed the first fish of my northern Saskatchewan fly-in fishing adventure. It was a sign of how fantastic the next five days would be.
Between wheels up and fish on, there was a flurry of activity. It started with a comfortable flight from Edmonton to Stony Rapids. There, we boarded an Otter float plane and 20 minutes later landed at the Cree River Lodge on Wapata Lake. Patrick Babcock and his friendly staff greeted us at the dock and showed us to our cabin. Next up, Chef Joel prepared a hearty and delicious breakfast, a sample of the savoury food offered at the lodge. We wasted no time packing lunch and loading fishing gear before heading to the boats where our guides waited. Our party of four boarded two boats piloted by our guides, Terrell and Dante. We motored off to the first of dozens of fishing hotpots.
Highlights
Friends, food and fantastic fishing make adventures memorable. The trip to Cree River Lodge had a generous portion of each. My fishing buddies share my passion for the outdoors and the delights of catching a lunker in this unique northern ecosystem. Because the lodge only hosts a small group of anglers each week, there were many opportunities to chat with like-minded anglers back at the lodge. I learned later that most of them were repeat guests. Over the next few days, we became better
acquainted—they come from all walks of life, from both Canada and the USA. It reminded me of a William Butler Yeats quote: “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”
Anglers were treated to a wide variety of food at the lodge, from short-order breakfasts consisting of omelets, bacon, sausage and hashbrowns to shore lunches with freshly caught fish and chips. The supper menu included grilled fish, pork chops, and even roast turkey with all the trimmings. It was indeed a menu fit for a king.
I tried to keep a running tally of the fish I caught daily, but it was simply impossible—there were too many to count. However, the big pike in the 38-inch-plus range stood out, and several in this size class were caught each day!
Nathan, our guide on one of the days, had the walleye dialled in. He took us to the “Narrows,” a deep-water channel with flowing water that held hungry walleye. We spent the next few hours catching these beautiful fish on crankbaits. The fishing was hot, and we had frequent double-headers as we fished a short stretch of water.
Master Angler Program
The Saskatchewan Master Angler catchand-release program recognizes the achievements of anglers fishing in Saskatchewan waters. https://swf.sk.ca/master-angler-program. Master angler qualifying size for Northern Pike is 104 cm (41 in), 71 cm (28 in) for Walleye, and 46 cm (18 in) for Arctic Grayling. Wapata Lake and the Cree River are teeming with these trophy-sized fish.
Usually, I don’t pay much attention to fish size. However, after the first day at Cree River Lodge and several Master Angler Program-sized fish caught by lodge guests, I took notice. Our group caught several qualifying pike, including a whopping 45.5-inch pike caught on a fly!
Diversity
After the first day of fishing, I knew Wapata Lake and the Cree River were extraordinary waters. Not only did we catch countless fish, but the range of sizes indicates this was a healthy, functioning aquatic ecosystem. In cold northern waters, fish grow slowly, so catching master angler-sized fish illustrates that some fish have survived for a long time.
Large predators such as pike and walleye must feed aggressively on smaller fish. Several times, a larger pike T-boned a smaller hooked fish. It became a challenge to catch two pike at the same time. However, we never succeeded because the bigger pike often let go before getting to the boat. It’s a case of eat or be eaten.
Guided to the Action
I like to think I know how to catch fish, but I was in awe of the young expert guides— Terrell, Dante, and Nathan—who put us in the right spot and guaranteed successes. I learned that new guides get some general pointers and starting spots to fish, but it is up to them to find the best places. I got the sense it didn’t take much coaxing to convince them to go fishing after hours and on the occasional day off. They knew all the best spots and customized the fishing experience for the individual anglers.
Some folks come to Cree River Lodge to catch lots of fish. They don’t care if they are big, small, or in between, just so long as they keep biting. On the other end of the spectrum are anglers targeting trophy-class fish; a 40 inch-plus pike is what they want. Our group was somewhere in the middle. We fished spots that held scrappy mid-sized pike—perfect for a shore lunch—and a nice mix of the other size classes. Other spots held fewer fish, but the size made up for quantity.
Like the anglers, many of the guides return to the lodge year after year. The thrill of catching fish all open water season never grows old.
Different Styles
Cree River Lodge runs three types of boats. A pontoon boat provides a comfortable deck and fishing experience. Some anglers request this vessel when booking their adventures so they can change posi-
tion and be completely at ease. Most boats are Lund Alaskans, which are maneuverable and handle rough water well. Two flat-bottom Alumacraft boats with poling platforms, round out the fleet.
I had the opportunity to fish from the Alumacraft boats for all but one of my days at the lodge. The poling platform allowed the guides to maneuver us into shallow water, where other boats couldn’t go. Its deck provided a perfect platform for flyfishing, and the elevated vantage point gave the guides an eagle’s eye view of the situation. I caught several large pike thanks to the keen eyes of our guide. One time, Terrell noticed a pike slurp my lure but did not strike it. Setting the hook on his command landed me a nice fish.
Fish Conservation
I credit the amazing Cree River and Wapata Lake fishery to sustainable sport fishing practices and a healthy aquatic ecosystem. As the only lodge on the lake, angling pressure is light. Most fish are released, except for a few eating-sized fish for shore lunches.
Our guides were experts in handling fish. Using barbless hooks, most released fish never left the water—a quick tail flip, and they swam back to their home. My guess is that the survival rate of released fish is high.
Big fish need special care. They are the prized catch of northern anglers and are the subject of a quick photo and measurement for lifelong memories. And for those who keep score, an official photo of measurement on a graduated bump board for the Saskatchewan Master Angler records. Big fish—many of which are likely large females—were firmly held to protect them from flopping and potentially harming their spine. After a few moments of appreciation, the fish were released. Every fish swam away with vigour.
I returned from the trip with respect for how the fish were handled. This conservation mindset ensures that anglers today and, in the future, can catch the fish of a lifetime and experience the grandeur of an epic Saskatchewan fishing getaway.
Before You Go
I highly recommend this adventure to anyone who loves fishing. It’s a dynamite combination of lots of fish, salted with big pike, walleye, and arctic grayling. Friendly and knowledgeable staff paired with delicious food at the lodge and shore lunch are the icing on the cake. But before you go, here are a few tips from the guides that will help you make the most of this incredible place:
Pack Good Gear. The fish of Cree River Lodge are big and strong. You will need a rod and reel that are up to the challenge. Anglers are encouraged to use braided line and steel or titanium leaders. If flyfishing is your pursuit, rods and reels must be sized to handle 40-inch plus fish. Pinch the barbs. The secret to an easy release is to pinch the barbs or come
equipped with barbless hooks. These fish typically strike hard, and as long as you keep tension on the line, you’ll land them. Learn to Cast. The guides know the lake and often see fish lurking in certain areas. If you can cast to where they tell you, the chances of hooking a fish skyrocket. Practice before you go, and you’ll be rewarded with more fish.
Last Cast
Back home, the photos remind me that this adventure at Cree River Lodge was most certainly real, not a dream. Those pictures reminded me that there are still places where fish thrive, as they have for thousands of years. An epic adventure awaits all who make the journey—I’m glad I did and know I’ll be back. n
BY DAVE SHMYR
It has been a while since I have been back to Alberta for some back country ice fishing adventures. Living on the south end of Vancouver Island has changed my target species!
The one thing I haven’t done due to my schedule in a couple years is an off grid back in the sticks ice fishing adventure. Something special and rare nowadays is fishing a lake for a few days with just you and your crew. It’s nice to have the quiet days back in the bush listening to nothing but nature.
Prior to these trips it’s important to make a list of supplies and safety tools to ensure a secure and memorable trip. I’m going to give you all a list of a few things I like to bring. I’m known to bring everything but the kitchen sink on these trips but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Always research your lakes and trails when doing these trips to make sure you got everything you need. First is manpower!
I have done these trips with myself and one other person but I suggest three or more. Many situations will arise when the extra bodies are needed!
Often you get stuck going back on cut lines that haven’t been travelled. You could encounter deep snow/ flood ice and deadfall along the way. Having the additional bodies will save a ton of energy working together as a unit.
Not only are the extra bodies import-
Off the Grid Ice Fishing
ant but also having the extra machines: snowmobiles/side-by-sides/quads in case of breakdowns.
BRING THE TOOLS FOR THE JOB
With equipment, it’s always important to have the proper tools to change belts,chains,filters. A simple tool case can save you hours so do your research and make sure you have two of everything. Not trying to scare you back to town but I’ve been to a few of these breakdowns and having tools or spare belts or both have saved us several times.
I think every person should have some type of shovel on each machine just in case you get split up. I had a friend take a wrong trail back and got stuck before he realized. It had been snowing so hard that we went to find him and thought he was lost on the lake behind us. The importance of going slow together as a unit is pivotal because, most often there is no cell service and in places walkie talkies will not work.
Before departure, it’s beneficial to all to have a game plan.
MAKING SURE YOU ARE SAFE
Safety gear is by far the most important on the list. The first aid kit you supply for this trip must have enough gear to support the amount of people in your party. We usually bring two bigger first aid kits in case one gets lost or damaged. I stick to doubling the most vital items on these excursions, as they might break, become damaged, or get lost easier than they
would during a day trip to a local lake.
Safety gear is way more than a first aid kit. “On the ice, wear flotation suits and inflatable life jackets at all times while travelling between spots.”
If the ice is on the thin side, we continue to wear that gear during the day. Before trying a trip such as this our rule is a foot or better. Nobody’s going to be there to help you besides your crew so put yourselves in a scenario that you can enjoy without worry.
Rope comes in handy for so many scenarios especially on these trips. Once again, each machine should have 50-feet of solid rope for towing and winching situations. Rope goes a long way on these trips. A chainsaw is a must to clean trail.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
If you have access to a Garmin Inreach satellite phone for your trip this is extremely important, especially if you’re a long way from cell service / town.
Sleeping quarters are something that needs to be safe as well. We often use a wall tent with a stove and stay out on the ice. Staying out on the ice makes for less travel but always make sure the wind isn’t going to be blowing too hard and damage your setup. Whether you’re in a wall tent or ice fishing tent, using propane heat or wood heat, always pack a carbon monoxide monitor. I have one in my ice tent at all times as well as anywhere I’m sleeping. Doing little things like this will make the trip more enjoyable knowing you have all your ducks in a row. n
It’s Not Easy Being a Sardine in Baja!
(Dorado and roosters rule the summer heat!)
BY DALE MARTENS
Francisco, my guide, pitched the sardine overboard. Two streaks converged on it. But the little fish was an athlete; it launched itself 3-feet in the air and momentarily escaped. The dorado, or mahi-mahi, had lost interest in my fly several casts ago, but just watching was sheer entertainment.
I was on the Sea of Cortez near Loreto, which is a cute little town on the Baja peninsula. The summer weather in Loreto is blazingly hot and the terrain is infinitely captivating. Cactus and craggy hills tumble straight into the ocean. Although Loreto flies under most tourist radar - especially in the summer - it has some tasty restaurants and comfortable
hotels. But you have to do a little digging to get there…
Every July, hundreds of fishermen do the digging, and turn up in Loreto, looking for a red-hot dorado bite. As the water warms, dorado migrate up from Cabo San Lucas, and swarm the nearby islands and channels, terrorizing the sardine population. This is not necessarily an offshore fishery; the abrupt change from desert rock to ocean blue is never far away, and it never gets old. There is no need for a large, expensive charter; reasonably priced pangas with knowledgeable captains abound. I learned about Loreto from the Dan Blanton Bulletin Board. Its regulars have been going there for decades, and their reports appear online. These reports drove me to Loreto, and also told me that roosterfish are available. Mucho roosterfish!
GETTING THERE
To get to Loreto, I overnighted in Los Angeles, and boarded a direct flight the next morning. One of life’s little ironies is that Alaskan Air provides a convenient ride into the Baja heat. My base in Loreto was the Hotel Oasis. It is in a quiet corner of town on the beach. For six days in a row, I watched the sun rise as I walked along the waterfront to the marina. A highlight was watching guys throw their cast net to catch sardines; this pelagic candy was coveted by every fisherman in town.
At the marina, I met Francisco, my panga captain. He and his wife Pam operate the Fly Fish Loreto guiding service. He is the boat captain and chief guide, while she takes care of the other details. However, Pam is highly skilled with a fly rod and can offer sound fishing advice as she helps with a booking. Every day, she met me at the dock and helped me find Francisco’s panga amongst the dozens jockeying for position. The Loreto marina in July is a busy place at dawn. The dorado and roosters can be blamed for that.
Once I was on Francisco’s seaworthy panga, the first stop was buying a scoop of sardines for the live well. Then we explored miles of fishy habitat around nearby islands, and all along the coast. In a nutshell,
Francisco would point the boat toward a roosterfish hangout - a rock pile, lonely cove, or hidden beach - and on the way there we would watch for signs of dorado. Diving birds or a surface blitz called for a course correction and an adrenaline rush.
QUITE THE RUSH!
Pulling up on a dorado school is something every angler should experience. Franciso would throw a few sardines and the dorado would slash at the surface or rocket this way and that, often only a few feet from the boat. The electric blue on their black almost glowed. I was ready at the bow with a popper in hand. My job was to throw a cast at a boiling fish, and skip it back in.
By my third cast, I was usually hooked up. The takes were visual and the fights were aerial. Since the dorado were generally just a few pounds, the tussles were spectacular but brief. However, over the course of the trip, a couple larger ones did expose generous portions of backing. Unfortunately, none of the schools were huge in number. They would quickly wise up and disappear. Or hang around the boat and feed on free sardines, while laughing at my flies. Even switching from a popper to a more imitative baitfish pattern was no help. The most fish I ever pulled from a school was three, and most often it was only one or two.
IN SEARCH OF DORADO
In banner years, the dorado schools coming to Loreto can be massive in both quality and quantity. The fish will be so aggressive that arms give out before the fish lose interest. However, we had to do quite a bit
of hunting to contact dorado. To help the process, I often trolled a sailfish fly behind a 14-weight rod. The odd dorado would nail the oversize streamer, and its buddies would follow it to the boat. The dorado action was certainly not non-stop, but every day we found a school or three, enough to keep anticipation levels high.
THE UNEXPECTED
Trolling a sailfish fly in the fish-rich Sea of Cortez is begging for the unexpected. At one point, the 14-weight was nearly ripped from my hand. Although the reel resembles a small winch and its drag was screwed down, the line peeled off relentlessly. And kept peeling off. Finally, it stopped. Francisco backed up the boat and I regained backing. Eventually, the fly line was on the reel and the fish was underneath the boat. It circled and refused to be lifted. A few more minutes, and we saw colour. Then Francisco slipped the net underneath a large bonito; I had been imagining a world-class yellowfin tuna. I was definitely proud of the catch, and definitely shocked at how hard it pulled.
WHERE ARE THE ROOSTERS?
But what about the roosterfish? As I said, most dorado action took place while running between roosterfish haunts. These were insanely fun to fish. Francisco would glide the boat down a stretch of beautiful shoreline, and toss sardines. Fish boiled on the surface, but they tended to be a bit more wary than dorado and stay away from the boat. I threw a baitfish imitation instead of a popper toward the boils. The grabs were numerous. Snapper, jacks, ladyfish, and groupers were all on the menu.
For the first couple days, roosterfish were hard to come by. I learned they are like musky, and love to follow before throwing a cold shoulder. Eventually, I started boating small ones with some regularity. Seeing that comb-like dorsal fin was always a thrill, no matter what the size. I finally scored a solid 10-pounder. It hit hard and ran long. Apparently, grande roosters, 30-pounds or more, are often encountered. Yikes!
ON THE BEACH
At the end of each fishing day, the tide was high enough to run the panga right up to the Hotel Oasis, which was good, because a hot walk from the marina would have likely did me in. Luckily, a cold cerveza, or margarita, was easy to come by in Loreto, and there were lots of fishermen around to trade tales with. Late evening hunger was satisfied by superb hole-in-the-wall taco places. On a couple days, Francisco filleted one of my dorado, and the Oasis kitchen cooked it up… Fantastic!
The town, the scenery, and the fishing, make Loreto a good candidate for any bucket list. Going to Baja in the heat of summer may sound crazy, but for a chance at roosters and dorado, it makes perfect sense. Just bring plenty of sardines. n
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LORETO:
Although optimistic for my trip, 9 or 10 weight rods with tropical lines are usually recommended. Poppers called for a floating line. An intermediate line worked best when presenting baitfish imitations at roosterfish spots. Occasional deep rocks made a heavy sinker worthwhile.
Mylar Poppers and Crease Flies were my surface offerings. Bisharat Airheads and Wiggy Airheads imitated baitfish. For trolling, it was a Sailfish Fly with the popper head removed.
If spinning gear and a regular trolling outfit is your game, you will be well served! Most panga charters cater to conventional gear. (Fly Fish Loreto also loves conventional anglers. In their own words, “Any fisherman who brings conventional equipment and fly fishing equipment on the water with them has the absolute highest chance of a successful fishing day.)
Snorkelling and secluded beach excursions are readily available. A visit to the San Javier Mission in the surrounding hills is well worth the taxi fare.
Winter is down time for roosters and dorado, but yellowtail come to life.
Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and LakeTrout
Make a Fishing Adventure Out of it!
BY WES DAVID, HOST & PRODUCER OF FISHING THE WILD WEST TV
Two seasons ago we booked a trip with Serengeti Fishing Charters out of Port Hardy British Columbia, on the north end of Vancouver Island. Serengeti Fishing Charters is known for putting their clients on salmon, halibut, ling cod, and various rockfish species. From my hometown of Airdrie, Alberta, it would be about 1,700 kilometres, plus a twohour ferry ride, from Tsawwassen B.C. to Vancouver Island.
That translates around 22 hours in the truck one way! To lessen the load, we decided to break the trip up and make it a fishing adventure.
Castlegar, B.C. and the Columbia River
Our first stop was in Castlegar B.C., for a couple of days fishing for rainbow trout on the Columbia River. The unique thing about the Columbia, is that it’s loaded with walleye, which are considered an invasive species in the Columbia River. Because of this, they have a huge catch and keep limit of 16 per day, with a 32-walleye possession limit per angler. Check the B.C. Sport Fishing Regulations for the areas of the river, you choose to fish. However, we didn’t want to pack coolers of frozen walleye to the West Coast and back, so we focused on the worldclass rainbow trout that call the Columbia River home.
Rainbow trout were found exactly where they were supposed to be, in and around current breaks, inside and outside corners, and in the slow-moving water adjacent to fast-moving current. During the morning, we were fly fishing the rainbows with the aid of a strike indicator. The rainbow trout were aggressively hitting a variety of fly patterns on the surface. By 11:00AM the sun was casting a glare on the water and the trout seemed to turn off.
HEAD TO DEEP WATER
We were forced to go deeper into the water column to trigger a bite. I tied on a #00 Len Thompson Lure and made long casts to inside corners and current breaks. We would let the lure sink before beginning our retrieve. Some locations would hold four or five rainbows while other areas would hold one or two. All afternoon we move upriver casting to key trout locations. This went on for the better part of the afternoon. By 5:30 pm, the trout quit hitting the Len Thompson Lure. We could see trout beginning to rise to the surface to feed so we quickly shifted gears and returned to the fly rods landing trout until the sun fell behind the mountains.
FISH A LAKE A DAY FOR AS LONG AS YOU STAY
The next day, we headed west to Merritt B.C. and picked three lakes within 40 minutes of the town.
Merritt B.C. and the Nicola Valley have a slogan. “Fish a Lake a Day for as Long as You Stay.” With a three-day window we could only fish three lakes. We booked a hotel room right off Highway 5A. From here we had access to over 30 lakes in one direction but more importantly, the three lakes I wanted to fish. These were Stump Lake, Rosh Lake, and Peter Hope Lake. All three are in Nicola Valley and are worldclass rainbow trout lakes.
The Columbia River rainbow trout were aggressively hitting a variety of fly patterns in the mornings, and Len Thompson Lures in the afternoon.
Merritt BC and the Nicola Valley have a slogan. “Fish a Lake a Day for as Long as You Stay”.
During our time there, despite cooler weather and the cold-water temperatures, the rainbow trout were willing to bite. Fly fishermen were getting bites close to the shorelines on the surface and within a few feet below the surface.
TROLLING HARD BAITS
I had my Tracker Boat with me, and I was trolling a #2 Bingo Bug from Lucky Bug Lures in 12 to 40 feet of water, and to my surprise, most of my bites on all three lakes were coming in 30 feet of water. They were also the larger rainbows that were holding or suspended in the deeper water.
GETTING THE PRESENTATION AT THE RIGHT DEPTH
To get down that deep, I set up a basic Lindy Rig system as if I were Lindy Rigging for walleye. I used a 3/4oz slipsinker walking weight, a bead to protect the knot to the swivel that connected my 20-pound Sunline Braid to the 12-pound Sunline FC Sniper Fluorocarbon 12-foot leader, and a #2 Mud Bug Bingo Bug to the end of the fluorocarbon leader.
We dropped the setup down until it hit bottom and used the electric trolling motor to zigzag the boat in and out of 12 to 40 feet of water at 1.6 miles per hour.
The regulations state a single barbless hook so maintaining a tight line during these acrobatic leaps was key to landing your catch. However, if one did spit the hook, which happened several times, there was no need to panic, as there was always another rainbow trout willing to bite your offering.
I lost count of the number of rainbow trout I caught and released during my three-day stay, on three different lakes, but I assure you, Nicola Valley is truly a trout angler’s paradise.
WHITE STURGEON ON THE HARRISON RIVER
On the sixth morning of our B.C. fishing adventure, we were headed for Harrison Hot Springs to fish for white sturgeon with B.C. Sportfishing Group. We parked the truck and boat and booked into Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. The next morning, we met Tony, the owner of B.C. Sportfishing Group, at the dock and before long we were on the Harrison River. The Harrison eventually meets up with the stained water of the Fraser River and both river systems are home to the mighty white sturgeon. After about a 15-minute boat ride, Tony cut the throttle and positioned the boat with the bow into the current in 14 feet of water
and dropped the heavy anchor. Once the anchor grabbed the bottom and the boat found its place, he began to rig the rods with small bait bags. These bait bags were on a short leader about eight inches in front of a 12 oz weight. Once the bait found the bottom all we could do was wait. And we didn’t wait for long. About 10 minutes later the rod tip began to bounce indicating a sturgeon was at our offering. I carefully removed the rod from the rod holder and when Tony yelled out to set the hook, I did so with all my might. The fight was immediate, and
it was all I could do to keep the sturgeon’s head turned to the boat. He was playing me as much as I was playing him. However, before long, Tony was lowering the cradle, and I was maneuvering the sturgeon into the cradle. The first sturgeon of the day was a six-foot beauty.
This repeated itself for the entire day as we moved from spot to spot on the Harrison River. We landed several white sturgeon in a variety of sizes. Tony is a part of the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society (FRSCS) and we took great honour in being a part of the tagging and recording process of the program.
HEADING TO THE ISLAND
The next morning, with sore arms we headed for Tsawwassen and the B.C. Ferry terminal that would take us across the Pacific Ocean to Vancouver Island. From there, we would make our way to Courtenay to visit the BuzzBomb Tackle factory and warehouse. We would also be fishing for salmon with Tim, the owner.
JIGGING SALMON WITH BUZZBOMB TACKLE
Tim and his wife Gaia are the owners of BuzzBomb Tackle, and while Gaia kept the lights on at the factory and warehouse, I got to spend two days with Tim fishing for Chinook and coho salmon.
While other boats trolled key salmon locations, we set up to jig the same salmon that other boats were trolling through. We drifted over key structures and jigged the BuzzBomb, Zzinger, or Spinnow, depending on the drift, and set the hook on several Chinook and coho salmon. These lures are designed to imitate a wounded or struggling baitfish. Regardless of whether we were vertical jigging or swim jigging
I’ve fished Tim’s product for years on both saltwater and freshwater species but having the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge was priceless. Tim knows exactly how the Buzz Bomb, Zzinger, and Spinnow, are designed to work. The key was to maximize their action in different situations, priceless!
these lures, salmon would aggressively hit these lures and make long, powerful runs with aggressive head shakes. We caught our limit of salmon and a perfect-sized lingcod to join us for lunch on the boat. After two days of jigging salmon, we headed north to Port Hardy to fish for salmon, halibut, ling cod, and rockfish with Serengeti Fishing Charters, but as Paul Harvey would say, “That’s another story.” n
We landed a variety of sizes of white sturgeon all day long and had the honour of being a part of the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society tagging program.
While other boats trolled key salmon locations, we set up to jig the same salmon that other boats were trolling through.
Tim and his wife Gaia are the owners of Buzz Bomb Tackle.
At every location along our BC fishing adventure, the scenery was nothing short of amazing.
Easy & Delicious Spatchcock Grouse
BY JOSH MCFADDIN
In honor of Manitoba’s upland game bird season, here is an awesome ruffed grouse recipe. In this recipe, I create an incredible spatchcock Grouse dish. Utilizing foraging knowledge, I also finds some natural berries that pair perfectly with the grouse. This is a super easy and tasty recipe you just have to try! Full video and the written recipe can be found in the QR code below.
There are incredible upland game bird opportunities found in every corner of the province, with seasons spanning over the next four months there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the incredible table fare of these birds!
In this recipe you get to use the whole grouse and you won’t regret trying this great way to make a delicious snack out of any grouse. Once you figure out the trick to the spatchcock, it’ll be a breeze.
WHAT YOU NEED
• A few spatchcocked grouse
• Juniper berry spice (or just salt + pepper)
• Canola oil
• Fresh thyme, a couple of twigs
• Fresh garlic, smashed
• 1 apple, diced fine
• ¼ onion diced fine
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup of butter
• 2 shots of whiskey
HOW TO MAKE IT
Pluck and clean the bird. Grab a sharp knife or scissors and cut on either side of the spine, as close to the backbone as you can. This will remove a little strip and create an opening the whole length of the bird.
Rub a small amount of oil on the bird and season well with salt and pepper (and juniper).
Heat a pan or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat, add a couple of Tablespoons of oil. Season the oil with fresh thyme and garlic for 1 minute then place the bird breast-side down on the pan.
Sear both sides until the breast meat is cooked through (155f) and remove from the heat.
In the same pan, add the fine diced onion, apple, and sugar then cook down until soft.
Once softened, add the whiskey to the pan and scrape the bottom of the pan with your utensil. This will help to loosen up anything stuck to the bottom. Before the liquor evaporates, hit the pan with a lighter or a match to burn off the alcohol. (Watch your eyebrows and don’t stand directly over the pan).
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and mix everything well. Let it simmer for a minute to slightly reduce. At this point, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the butter to make a silky sauce. Spoon the sauce over the grouse and enjoy the beauty of these fall flavors.
Scan the QR Code Below to watch the full recipe video!
To check out the full recipe blog and all the videos, scan the QR Code above to got to the
Hunt Fish Manitoba Website!
Here We Go Again... Ice Season is Back!
It seems like the open-water seasons just go by quicker and quicker every year. I don’t know if it’s because I keep having more every year or why that is but this past season just seemed to fly by. Before I knew it, the time had come to put the boat away and dig the auger out. Fortunately, like many of you, I’ll embrace the winter and get after it on the ice. Across central Canada, we have so many top-notch destinations to catch a variety of species. Here are some of my top tips to catch more fish this winter.
FISH PRODUCTIVE WATER
We all have those places close to home where we can get out and usually catch a few fish. I’m fortunate to live minutes from Lake of the Woods. I can jump on my snowmobile and be on the lake fishing in no time. If we want to catch a few perch and walleye for dinner, it’s often quick and easy.
LIMITED ICE TIME
Since I have been fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series, I’m down south for much of
the winter so I don’t get out on the ice as much as I used to. I still try to get in one good trip in addition to all the fishing I get to do around home on the Woods. Before I started fishing in the U.S., I would be on the ice all winter, guiding and fishing nearly every day.
Across the Sunset Country Region, there are many great places to go. There are r emote back lakes that are fly-in only during the summer months. As well, several resorts remain open. These allow you to be in top-notch locations. There are fisheries that offer unique fishing opportunities for species like brook trout,
whitefish or burbot that don’t get as much attention as the more popular lake trout, pike, crappie, and walleye.
RED LAKE
My getaway trip over the past few years has been up to the Red Lake area, a few hours north of Kenora. We stay at Five Lakes Lodge where there is have access to some of the best lake trout, walleye, and pike fishing I have ever experienced. There is so much water to explore up there. We have had some tough days too, but we’ve also discovered some great bites that I can’t wait to revisit.
The Red Lake area is snowmobile country, which I understand not everybody has access to. Growing up, we never had a snowmobile so we spent a lot of time fishing lakes we could walk onto or we fished near the ice road on Lake of the Woods. The Red Lake area offers snowmobile rentals, which is something that I think is becoming a bit more common, so that is an option for those looking to plan one good getaway trip during the season.
It’s fun to fish new places, especially if you can get into areas that are remote and
Shelby with a big pike caught on a spoon.
Highly detailed mapping lets us fish directly on the sweet spots.
have great fishing, like most communities do around our region. This goes for all species, the less that they are fished, the easier they will be to catch. It doesn’t take long for all species to smarten up once they start to receive a lot of pressure.
KEEP UP TO DATE
Whether it is electronics, tackle, augers, or any of the other gear we use on the ice, we are bombarded every year with new equipment to help us catch more fish on the ice. Staying on top of new trends and new gear will help you catch more fish.
The great thing about ice fishing is that you DON’T need the latest and greatest gear to simply get out there and catch fish. However, if you want to have more success fishing new water and be as efficient as possible, the new equipment is going to help you.
Several items have been game-changing to me over the past years. A few that standout the most include the mapping options we now have, the use of live sonar, and just an overall increase in good baits to use.
Across Northwest Ontario, the new Humminbird VX Ontario card has more lakes covered than ever, many of them in high detail, with more coming soon. The Manitoba card contains mapping that was never available before as well. We are now able to pull right up to the sweet spot and drill holes, where we used to have to drill dozens of holes before and fish until we found it.
Live sonar, like Mega-Live continues to gain in popularity every year because it’s fun and above all, educational. It allows us to increase our efficiency out there because we can look an area over quickly and see if there are fish around or not. We can also watch how these fish interact with our baits and then decide if we need to make changes to our presentation.
Finally, when it comes to new tackle, we’re seeing better quality in terms of getting more lifelike soft plastics, better paint jobs on spoons and jigs, and better components on everything. We now have quick-strike rigs made from heavy fluorocarbon that offer more finesse than a wire rig yet have a longer lifespan as well.
IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT
Over the years of writing for Hooked, I’ve made it known that when it comes to catching perch and walleye, (which I enjoy fishing for the most during the win-
get down quickly in deep water, have the ability to generate a reaction strike with their wild movements, and again, the profile of a spoon can match that of nearly any baitfish.
SPOON-FED
I have caught everything under the ice on a spoon, from crappie to lake trout to pike, whitefish, and even burbot. Whatever species I’m chasing, I’ll have a spoon tied on at least one rod.
An alteration that I’ll make to my spoons to increase my odds of getting bites and landing more fish include adding a split ring to the line tie if there isn’t one already. This will give the spoon more action and help you land more fish. I’ll often upgrade the treble hooks on my spoons for sharper, stronger ones than the cheap stock hooks that most spoons are equipped with. Sometimes we need to add a larger tre -
ter months because of the fast action,) I almost always use a Northland Buck-Shot Spoon. These spoons have been around for over 25 years and are effective because they are in a profile that fish like, have a subtle rattle that gives them the ability to attract fish from a farther range, and are available in an assortment of colours to cover most situations.
Spoons have been used for decades by ice anglers because they are heavy so they
ble hook for big fish, like pike, lake trout or a smaller hook for panfish.
Today, we now have spoons that are built with tungsten, giving them a smaller profile than traditional lead spoons. The paint jobs continue to get better, and the actions continue to improve as manufacturers play with shape and weight distribution.
Wherever you fish on the ice this winter, you better have a spoon tied on! n
Perch caught on a spoon. Spoons should be a part of every anglers ice arsenal.
Crappie fishing is fun throughout the ice season because they are usually easy to catch
DALE MARTENS
Dale is a travel enthusiast with a fishing addiction. He believes you cannot truly experience a place unless you sample the fishing. He also maintains no fishing trip is complete until you see what it offers away from the water. The seed for all this is likely the childhood road trips he took with his Dad up Manitoba’s Highway 10, visiting the Ducks, the Porcupines, and the Grass River system.
Early in his 30-plus years as a science teacher, Dale lived in Swan River, and working a Panther Martin along Steeprock River logjams is a fond memory. Later, while teaching in Winkler, he spent more time than he cares to admit in a float tube, chasing largemouth up the feeder creek on Mary Jane Reservoir.
Now retired, and living in Winnipeg, he and his partner are trying to hike and explore as many beautiful and unique places as possible. Naturally, Dale is fishing along the way. Although his favourite place might be a bonefish flat or mountain trout stream - especially while holding a fly rod - he still loves pulling bottom bouncers on all kinds of Manitoba lakes. And bobber-watching for goldeyes alongside Assiniboine Park.
In writing for Hooked, Dale hopes to inspire and inform about places that are well off the main highway. It also gives some purpose to the thousands of photographs he takes and edits!
Listen to Dale on the Complete Angler Podcast with host Don Lamont
